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The Jacksonville Jaguars worked the weekend midnight oil to bring Miami Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert onto the team and offload tight end Julius Thomas.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole, the Jaguars have agreed to terms with Albert and the only thing left is for the Dolphins to agree to terms with Thomas.
#Dolphins LT Branden Albert is visiting the #Jaguars today, sources say, helping facilitate an Albert-for-Julius Thomas potential trade.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 20, 2017
The trade of #Jaguars TE #Julius Thomas for #Dolphins LT Branden Albert would likely happen if both players agreed to new deals, sources say
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 20, 2017
More on the Branden Albert-Julius Thomas trade: Thomas may accept a small haircut on his '17 salary, while Albert may get his deal sweetened
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 20, 2017
#Jaguars have worked out their end of deal to acquire OT Branden Albert. Albert good playing for Jax. Now up to #Dolphins & TE Julius Thomas
— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) February 20, 2017
With the Jaguars reportedly “sweetening” their deal with Albert, it makes sense why their side would be done and waiting for the Dolphins, who are reportedly trying to convince Thomas that a pay cut — no matter how slight — is what needs to happen to make this deal happen.
Ultimately, it’s in the best interest for the Jaguars to see this trade through. They’re getting the better side of the deal with Albert as a marginally better tackle than Kelvin Beachum and arguably better than any guard who started games last year.